Mr Sharp has instigated an independent investigation into bullying complaints made by council staff members against Cr Fidge.

Tony Fell, of workplace relations specialists the Zalt Group, will conduct it and has drafted a letter outlining the allegations against Cr Fidge.

Mayor Rozi Parisotto will pass it on to Cr Fidge, who helped her become mayor for a two-year term.

The revelation of the bullying investigation comes in the same week the Local Government Inspectorate cleared Mr Sharp on three complaints levelled at him by Cr Fidge about a special meeting on February 8.

The inspectorate found Mr Sharp had the power to call the meeting, its timing was within statutory guidelines and the mayor hadn’t been coerced into signing a notice about the meeting.

Cr Fidge said yesterday he strongly denied bullying staff members.

“Chasing me with fabricated claims of bullying will only bring council into further disrepute,” he said.

“I do not regard this as a lawful investigation and I will not give it any time at all.

“I have never, at any time, bullied any council staff and I never will.

“This is simply another clumsy smear campaign that will fling mud at me in the hope that some of it will stick.”

Mr Sharp declined to comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Cr Lisa McInerney’s absence from the council relates to a Workcover claim she lodged due to stress and depression that was lodged after the February council meeting at Cheshunt.

She was due to return to council on Tuesday night but on medical advice stayed away.

“They told me unless the work environment had changed it wasn’t safe to go back,” she said.

“My health and my ability to look after my family are No. 1.

“I am still 100 per cent committed to my role on council.”

Cr McInerney has begun a “return to work plan” that includes attending meetings where she feels safe.